Fang (31 Days of Trick or Treat: Biker & Mobster)

Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

Winter

Could today get any worse? Of course, that asshat had to do this on today of all days—my birthday. Staring at the text message on my phone, I blow out a frustrated breath and wipe away the lone tear that trails down my cheek.

Billy:

Hey, Win, I think it’s time to see other people.

I didn’t even get a happy birthday, just a I think it’s time to see other people text. Last night he was telling me how much he loves me, and today he’s breaking up with me. What a jerk. I can’t believe I wasted two years with that idiot.

Ping. Ping. Ping.

Jelly’s name flashes on the screen. Unlocking my cell phone, I open the text from my best friend.

Jelly:

You have got to see this.

The next text is a screenshot of Billy’s social media post. It’s a picture of him and Shelbi at Scoop Express, the ice cream place he took me to every Friday.

His arm is around her shoulders, and the caption reads: Out having a quick snack with my girl.

His girl? Seriously? We broke up less than five minutes ago.

Jelly:

I’m gonna kick his ass.

Pain like a thousand shards of glass slicing my heart forces me to my knees. I thought his stupid breakup text was bad. This is so much worse. How long has he been seeing Shelbi? Were they together while we were? A sob builds in my throat until I can’t hold it back any longer.

Dropping my phone, I clutch my chest with one hand while falling forward onto the other. I feel dumb for crying over Billy. A man who treats me this way doesn’t deserve my tears, yet I can’t help but shed them.

Ping. Ping. Ping. Ping.

It’s probably Jelly. I should text her back. If I don’t, she’ll just rush over here. The last thing I need is for her to come to my rescue when I know she’s needed at work. Reaching for the device, I read her texts through the tears pooling in my eyes. Which is not an easy task, my friends.

Jelly:

Winter, are you okay?

Jelly:

Of course, you’re not okay. What the hell was I thinking. You need me to come over?

Jelly:

I should come over.

Jelly:

That’s it, I’m calling in to work and coming over.

Blinking the tears from my eyes, I tilt my head back and pinch the bridge of my nose. Will that stop the flow? I don’t know, but it’s worth a shot. I can’t keep crying over someone who would toss me aside so easily.

Just as I knew she would, Jelly is going to ditch work to sit with me. I love her to death, but the last thing I feel like doing is having my best friend hold my hand. Having people feel sorry for me makes me feel like a burden. That’s the last thing I want.

I think I’ll tell her I’m good then go dig the salted caramel ice cream out of the freezer and eat my feelings.

No. Go to work, I’m fine.

There is no response, so I assume she is on her way to work. Tossing my cell phone on the bed, I head to the kitchen for that salted caramel and a spoon. My heart is heavy, and my eyes have a steady stream of tears. Its official, today is the worst day of my life, and it’s only a little after noon.

I hope Billy has a miserable life.

Is it too harsh to wish that on someone, especially someone who has been your boyfriend for the last two years? Maybe. Do I care? Hell no. That man just betrayed me in the worst way. I hope Karma comes and bites his ass good.

Kicking back in the recliner, I switch the TV on and scroll through movies. The minute Twilight fills the screen, I know this will be my heartbreak companion. I hit play and dig my spoon into the cold creaminess in the paperboard tub.

The sweet ice cream numbs my tongue and gives me brain freeze, but I welcome it. This sensation gives me something else to focus on. Even if it’s only for just a minute. Now, if it could numb my heart as well, then I’d be set.

Once the pain in my head dissipates, I scoop another spoonful. Just as I open wide for another bite, my front door swings open. I scream because I was not expecting anyone. Jelly strolls in like she owns the place and hangs her purse on the coatrack.

My best friend treks across the room, takes the spoon from my hand, and shoves it in her mouth. We’ve been best friends for as far back as I can remember, eating and drinking after one another is no biggie. “If you’re going to sit here and wallow in self-pity, I’m joining you.”

“Uh, no you’re not.” I snatch the spoon from her hand. “You have work.”

“Screw work.” She slides into the oversized chair with me. “It will still be there tomorrow. Trust me, they have it covered.”

This is why Jelly is my person. No matter what I’m going through, if I need her, she’s there. She’s a no questions asked, ride or die, I’ve got your back kind of friend. Angelica Myers, aka Jelly, is my rock in time of need. The one I trust with my very life.

A tub of ice cream and a package of Oreos later, Jelly is dragging me from my cozy recliner.

She is totally ruining my Edward vibe, but does she care?

Nope, not even a little. “Come on, Winter, you cannot wallow all day. It’s your birthday for crying out loud, and our favorite holiday.

The bikers are hosting this year’s Halloween Carnival. We are not going to miss this.”

I do my best to tug free, but my bestie has an iron grip on my wrist. “Jelly, seriously, I don’t feel like celebrating tonight.” Once we enter my bedroom, she releases me and heads straight for the closet. When I see her reaching for my costume, I freak. “No,” I shout.

Jumping back, my best friend turns on her heels, eyes wide. “What the hell, Win?”

“Sorry.” Damn, my emotions are out of control. “I am not wearing that. That’s the Bonnie to Billy’s Clyde.”

Jelly rips the costume from the hanger. “Then we’re burning this shit.” She storms from the room yelling over her shoulder. “We’ll go shopping.”

“I’d rather not.” I follow her to the kitchen where she deposits the Bonnie outfit into the trash.

“It’s not up for debate.” Her phone beeps and she pulls it from her back pocket to check the text message. With a frown, she types a quick reply and shuts off the device. “Get some shoes on, we’re getting you all sexy for tonight.”

Sexy? What the hell is she talking about? “What’s this all about?”

“Nothing.” It’s not nothing, I can see it in her eyes. There’s a fire there that wasn’t before. It can only be about one person. Billy.

Just the thought of him causes my stomach to twist in knots. Again. “What was that text about?”

“You don’t want to know.” Nodding her head toward my bedroom, she says, “Get some shoes and let’s bounce.”

Getting out of the house will do me good, I know it will. So, instead of resisting, I trek to my room for shoes. My cell phone lies on the bed. I totally forgot about it. Funny how heartache can do that to a person. Because I can’t seem to help myself, I open social media and check Billy’s posts.

The first post I see is of him and Shelbi sitting on the hood of his car, kissing.

Like a glutton for punishment, I continue scrolling.

Photo after photo of the two of them. Though it hurts to look, I can’t seem to stop myself from clicking on each photo and zooming in.

Billy may have stuck the knife in my heart, but I’m the one that keeps twisting the blade.

Sliding on a pair of shoes, I grab my purse and sling it over my shoulder.

Jelly is standing by the front door. Turmoil must be evident on my face because she wraps her arms around me in a bear hug.

“It’ll be okay, Win. I promise.” Ushering me out the door, she adds, “And I will kick his ass seven ways to Tuesday, just say the word.”

“As much as I’d love that, it’s not necessary.” What would it solve anyway? It would only bring me a sliver of happiness, and it wouldn’t last long. So, why bother. Besides, he’s the kind of guy that would send her to jail for delivering a slice of justice.

There’s a look in my best friend’s eyes.

One I can’t quite decipher, and I wonder what she is up to.

With Jelly there’s no telling. She could already have a hitman on his way to Billy’s.

Okay, that’s a bit extreme, my bestie would never hire another person to commit murder.

That’s not her style. Yet, I have to wonder what it is she’s done.